For much of his life, Geoff MacNicol knew exactly who he was.
He was a soldier.
Over 13 years of service, including deployments throughout Southeast Asia and East Timor, the Army gave Geoff purpose, lifelong friendships and a place where he felt he belonged. For someone who had grown up in a difficult and unstable home environment, the Army became more than a career.
It became family.
After leaving the military, Geoff built a life beyond service, raising a family and establishing a career. But over time, things began to unravel. His mental health deteriorated, relationships suffered and the effort of simply getting through each day became overwhelming.
“For years I knew I had been going downhill and finding getting up each day harder and harder,” Geoff says.
“I had to put on a mask each day and pretend to be someone I wasn’t. It affected my personal life, and it started to erode my marriage. I began taking risks and making bad choices.”
When Geoff lost his job, financial pressures quickly mounted. A vehicle he had financed before his circumstances changed left him carrying a significant debt he had no realistic way of repaying. The debt was eventually sold to a collection agency, and Geoff could see no way forward.
“I was weary as I didn’t think there was anything that could be done,” he says.
After being referred to Bravery Trust through Open Arms, Geoff began working with one of Bravery Trust’s specialist financial counsellors. Through advocacy, negotiation and ongoing support, the financial counselling team worked alongside Geoff to address a debt that had become overwhelming.
“Bravery Trust took one look at my financial situation and put me straight at ease,” Geoff says.
“Although I felt better knowing I had someone in my corner, I thought the debt was too big for that consideration.”
The process took nearly a year, but eventually the debt was cancelled, relieving a significant financial burden and allowing Geoff to focus on his wellbeing and recovery.
“In my situation and still ongoing struggles, that one act was enough to give me a small bit of breathing space. I am forever grateful.”
Today, Geoff is still rebuilding his life and is the first to admit the journey isn’t easy.
“I still have a long, long way to go,” he says. “I am trying to rebuild my life, and I have to say, it is bloody hard.”
What keeps him going are the same values that sustained him during his years in uniform: mateship, connection and knowing there are people willing to stand beside you during life’s toughest moments.
“Reach out to a mate, they’re there for you,” Geoff says. “Reach out to veteran services like Bravery Trust. They know what we did for our country and the scars we carry.”
Need support?
Bravery Trust provides specialist financial counselling, advocacy and practical support to veterans and families facing financial hardship.
Learn more here.
